NBA: 3 highest-scoring games of James Harden's career

James Harden is one of the top three guards in the NBA today and is the defending MVP. After getting snubbed off MVP for several years, he finally got his hands on one of the most prestigious trophies in sports.

Harden led the Rockets to the first seed in Western Conference and averaged ridiculous numbers over the season. They lost to the Golden State Warriors in the Conference Finals in seven games. This year, after the early struggles, the Rockets are slowly starting to perform to the level of expectations and Harden is the reason for it. Let us take a look at three of his highest-scoring games in the NBA so far.

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#3 54 at Washington Wizards, November 26, 2018

James Harden's 54 points could not save the Houston Rockets in Washington. Credit: Sky Sports

Stat line: 54 points, 8 rebounds, 13 assists and 3 steals on 53.1 % shooting

The Houston Rockets got the kind of start to the season that they would not have desired before the season started. They were with a win-loss record of 9-9 and came to Washington after a tough loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers. James Harden registered his first 50-point game of the season, but the Wizards got the win in overtime.

Harden was hot in the first quarter and scored 12 points to give the Rockets, a 42-30 lead. However, John Wall answered back in the second quarter, and the Wizards entered the half-time with a 67-65 lead.

When the Rockets came back from the break, it was Harden's show as he exploded for 21 points in the third quarter and the Rockets gained a 4 point by the end of three quarters. Too many missed shots and turnovers in the fourth quarter meant that the Wizards would come back and the game went into overtime.

The Rockets would not stop committing turnovers, and missing shots in the overtime and the Wizards held off the Rockets for a 135-131 win.

#2 56 vs Utah Jazz, November 5, 2017

James Harden exploded for 56 points against the Utah Jazz at the Toyota Center in Houston. Credit: NBA

Stat line: 56 points, 2 rebounds, 13 assists and 2 steals on 76.0 % shooting

The Houston Rockets got off to a great start during the 2016-17 NBA season and were with a 7-3 record when they hosted the Utah Jazz for a game at the Toyota Center. Harden exploded for 56 points and the Rockets blew out the Jazz.

The 2018 MVP started the game hot and with the clock winding down in the first quarter, he knocked down a Harden-patented step-back three-pointer to extend the Rockets' lead to 10 points. Harden used his passing ability to find teammates on several occasions and the home team went into the half-time with a 67-49 lead.

Harden finished the game with 56 points on ridiculous 19-for-25 shooting. He was also hot from the three-point line and went 7-for-8 from beyond the arc.

#1 60 vs Orlando Magic, January 30, 2018

James Harden became the first player ever to record a 60-point triple-double

Stat line: 60 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists, 4 steals and a block on 63.3 % shooting

Two nights after leading the Houston Rockets to victory at home against the Phoenix Suns, James Harden was once again the center of attraction as he scored 60 points to put together a triple-double to help the Rockets beat the Orlando Magic. He became the first player to ever record a 60-point triple-double.

Harden attacked the rim and played aggressively to score baskets. He finished the night shooting 19-for-30 from the field, with a field-goal percentage of 63.3, including 5-for-14 from downtown. He also drew a lot of fouls and went 17-for-18 from the free-throw line.

He was also masterful with the passes and dished out 11 assists to go along with 10 rebounds. The Rockets won this game 114-107.